General
Making adjustments that provide accessibility to services or facilities can make things easier for all your customers. These can be as simple as providing low cost items such as a portable ramp, large print menu or moving furniture to provide a clear pathway. More investment is required to install a hearing assisted technology or hoists at pools and in hotel rooms.
- More than 1.3 billion people in the world with disabilities and reduced mobility travel (they don’t travel alone – add to this their families & friends). The World Health Organisation states that this number is likely to double by 2050
- Europe generates an extra 400 billion Euros annually from accessible tourism
- 15% of the global population are people of determination, that is over 1 billion
- 40 million people of determination in the Middle East and North Africa are looking for accessible facilities to visit, they will not be travelling alone
- 800 million trips per year within EU are made by people with access needs
- 1.4 billion people travelled in 2018, it is estimated 20% have a disability
- Accessibility will be required for everyone at least once in their lifetime, for example, for senior citizens; families with young children and individuals with a short-term health issue.
By removing barriers that restrict access and advertise in what way you are accessible, customers who have accessibility needs will visit your business. You can gain competitiveness in an underserved market. More than 1.3 billion people in the world with disabilities and reduced mobility travel (they don’t travel alone – add to this their families & friends). The World Health Organisation states that this number is likely to double by 2050. When customers who have accessibility requirements find a service or facility that they can access and enjoy, they tend to be loyal customers.
Every person with a disability has different needs. What access requirements are needed by a person who is hearing impaired is different to someone with autism. Therefore, it is important for businesses to advertise what accessibility they provide. By using the Accessible AD Toolkit, businesses can identify how accessible they are and who would be able to access their services and facilities with dignity and respect.
When considering access to services and facilities, removing a customer from their wheelchair and carrying them up steps is not appropriate. Not only is it culturally inappropriate it is also dangerous. Everyone should be able to access services and facilities independently. Some people with disabilities may require further guidance or support. For example, a visually impaired person may request a member of staff hold their arm to help guide them to a location. However, all such support should always be offered and never forced upon a person.